An item reported that the launching of the Italian battleship Sardegna the following day at Spezia was supported by an exuberant celebration .(1) The complete Mediterranean fleet was present and the British Mediterrean Fleet was expected to attend the celebration. The Sardegna was the largest battleship at that moment.
Note
1. Of the Re Umberto-class with as sister ships the Sicilia and the Re Umberto although slightly differed. Designed by Benedetto Brin and to built under the 1883 Naval programme. Her displacement was 13.641 (normal)-15.426 (full load) and as dimensions 411’9”(between perpendiculars)-428’10½” (over all) x 76’10½” x 29’ . Her main armament consisted of 2x2-13.5”/20 guns. She was laid down at the La Spezia navy yard on 24 October 1885, launched on 20 September five years later, completed on 16 February 1895 and stricken on 4 January 1923.